NCT07136818

From Blueprint to Practice: An Innovative Dynamic 9-Box Grid Improves Exercise Participation and Aerobic Capacity in Graduate Students

From Blueprint to Practice: an Innovative Dynamic 9-Box Grid for Enhancing Exercise Adherence and Aerobic Capacity in Graduate Students

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Hainan Normal University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to develop and validate an innovative dynamic 9-square grid management model to improve aerobic capacity (AC) and physical activity participation among graduate students. The model integrates real-time exercise volume (quantified via smart wearable devices) and aerobic capacity (assessed by 12-minute run tests) into a two-dimensional grid, stratifying participants into five tiers for differentiated interventions. Using a 2 × 3 mixed-design (feedback frequency: weekly vs. monthly; time points: baseline/mid/post-intervention), 32 healthy graduate students are randomized into two groups: Weekly feedback (dynamic position updates + tailored optimization strategies). Monthly feedback (position updates at monthly intervals). Key components include: Multimodal assessment: Objective exercise metrics (Huawei Band 6), AC (12-min run), psychological scales (Exercise Identity Scale, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale). Tiered intervention: Customized strategies based on grid positioning (e.g., "Star Talent" optimization vs. "Urgent Attention" support). Primary outcomes: Changes in AC, total exercise volume (TEV), exercise identity, and self-efficacy. The study seeks to determine whether weekly dynamic feedback outperforms monthly feedback in sustaining behavioral change and enhancing physiological adaptation. Ethical approval was obtained from Anqing Normal University (AQNU2024110).

Conditions

• Improving Low Exercise Engagement
• Addressing Sedentary Behaviors
• Enhancing Aerobic Capacity
• Bridging the Gap Between Exercise Intention and Action

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Dynamic 9-Square Grid Health Management with Weekly Feedback	A dual-axis management system categorizing participants into a 3x3 grid based on aerobic capacity (12-min run test) and total exercise volume (smart-device tracked). Includes weekly personalized feedback, tiered exercise prescriptions, and goal recalibration. Arm 1 receives updates every 7 days.
BEHAVIORAL	Dynamic 9-Square Grid Health Management with Monthly Feedback	Identical grid framework as Arm 1 (aerobic capacity + exercise volume assessment), but with monthly (30-day) feedback cycles. Participants receive delayed optimization strategies and tier adjustments once per calendar month, simulating conventional health programs."

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-10-14
• Primary completion: 2024-12-30
• Completion: 2025-01-10
• First posted: 2025-08-22
• Last updated: 2025-08-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China